Climate & Energy

The planet is getting dangerously warmer! All nations need to move rapidly away from the fossil fuels of oil, coal and gas to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and waves. South Africa is one of the 195 countries who agreed to this in 2016 at the big United Nations climate conference. Now it's time to act.

Why does it matter?

We all rely daily on energy to move around, to cook, to work, to light up our homes and to power the factories that produce our food and the goods that enable our modern lifestyles. How we produce electricity and energy affects the environment. Coal must be mined and burnt, whereas renewable energy is cheaper and far better for the planet. South Africa's current coal system is a huge contributor to carbon dioxide emissions.

Our current energy model is also unable to meet our development challenges, reduce our emissions nor provide electricity we can all afford. Yet we have solar potential on par with some of the best solar areas globally. We need to use it.

If global temperatures rise above the defined level of 2 degrees Celsius, it will cause floods, drought, wildfires and intense unpredictable weather events. If we keep using fossil fuels like there is no tomorrow, there might be no tomorrow.

Did you know?

Renewable energy sources in South Africa cost nearly half the price of electricity generated from coal mines. We could save R86 million a year by 2050 if we use renewables.

What is WWF doing?

WWF promotes a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. We are driving innovation and transformation towards a low-carbon economy. As we live in this fast changing climate we need to drastically cut emissions (mitigation) and learn new ways to cope (adaptation).

We do this by supporting catalytic initiatives and convening high-level dialogue and ambitious target-setting with both government and big business. We have to commit to the necessary policy and action to support a low carbon economy. We also help companies to cut emissions and encourage investment in renewables and divestment from fossil fuels.